New User: Help to identify Unit Marking 133. Res. 9
 

I have recently inherited a 1916 German Luger. I took it to a gunsmith for identification, but he could not identify the unit marking. He is convinced it is not a military unit marking, or it would be in the books.

The marking is 133. Res. 9.

I'm attaching some photos.

Any idea out there what this marking is?

Thanks!
Ed

Interesting font for the 'Res'...

I'm in the East and are ignorant...Knowledgeable members live out West and are still asleep...they'll be along in a bit... ;)

Hi Ed, Welcome to the forum! Your unit marking is not entirely to regulations, but stands for 133 Reserve Infantry Regiment, Weapon #9, (a cursive R indicates reserve).
Regards, Norm
P.S. I've been up for hours.

Norm, does this mean that reserve units were sometimes/always issued police-style holsters?

Hi David, German police were not armed with Lugers until after the war, when they were issued ex military weapons. Initially they used cut down Artillery holsters and later they kept with the up-strap design for new made holsters.
Regards, Norm

It was a Saxon unit that had terrible losses during the battle at the Some.
I have a 1912 dated holster that was issued to the 105. R and went to the 133. Reserve Infanterie Regiment in 1914.

Thanks Norme and Klaus. This is very helpful. To reiterate, this Luger unit marking is the Reserve Infanterie Regiment 133 and is weapon #9.

Also, it is a non-regulation marking. That explains the difficulty the gunsmith was having with its identification. That restores all of my faith in him: his work is always excellent.

Thanks Again!